Competitive eSports coming to E3 2018

Overnight the Entertainment Software Association announced that E3 2018 will have a massive eSports arena in the South hall to host competitive eSports.

“Competitive video games are taking sports entertainment by storm, with the global esports audience reaching 335 million people in 2017,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of ESA. “With the addition of the E3 ESL Arena, E3 2018 is set to be a non-stop, edge-of-your-seat ride of video game announcements, demos, and competition.”

Located in the heart of the South Hall, the new E3 ESL Arena stage is a 7,500-square-foot dynamic esports experience that seats over 200 fans. The main stage will feature custom player experiences with analysts and casters, giving the audience up-close VIP access to the world of competitive esports.

“Together with ESA, the E3 ESL Arena will expose traditional game enthusiasts to high-quality, professionally produced competitions that create the ultimate esports experience,” said Yvette Martinez-Rea, CEO North America, ESL. “We hope to reach gamers from all over the world, engaging both old and new fans alike.”

Esports continues to reach wide mainstream audiences and serves as the perfect gateway to reach passionate fans around the world. The global esports industry is expected to grow to more than $900 million in revenue this year and $1.4 billion by 2020, according to Newzoo. By 2021, the global esports audience is forecast to exceed 550 million people.

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